Solidarity and Legality: Healthcare Protection for Ukrainian Citizens in Romania

In Romania, the right to health remains a fundamental principle. In response to the war in Ukraine, Romania has activated clear legal mechanisms that translate solidarity into real access to medical services. The public healthcare system applies uniform, well-defined rules to protect life and human dignity.

According to information provided by Casa de Asigurări de Sănătate Maramureș, medical services for Ukrainian citizens benefiting from temporary protection are ensured through dedicated funding mechanisms, without placing additional pressure on the national health insurance system.

How are medical services funded?

Medical services and medicines provided to Ukrainian citizens under temporary protection are financed primarily from European funds, managed through the health insurance houses, which reimburse providers directly. These expenses are not covered by the National Health Insurance Fund, as beneficiaries do not acquire insured status in the classical sense.

For medical emergencies, funding is allocated from the state budget, in the same way as for any person in need of emergency care, regardless of nationality.

What does this mean in practice?

Ukrainian citizens under temporary protection do not become insured persons in the Romanian public health system. However, under special regulations, they benefit from services included in the basic healthcare package, under conditions equivalent to those granted to insured individuals, without paying health insurance contributions.

Guaranteed access includes:

• family medicine and preventive services;
• outpatient consultations and diagnostic investigations;
• hospitalization and inpatient medical care;
• medicines and medical supplies necessary for treatment, according to applicable regulations.

“We frequently receive requests to clarify which medical services and medicines can be reimbursed for Ukrainian citizens. It is essential to understand that these people are not insured in the traditional sense, but through temporary protection they benefit from services included in the basic package, including treatments and medicines when they are medically necessary and fall within reimbursement rules,” explained Adrian Mădăraș, Director General of Casa de Asigurări de Sănătate Maramureș.

How is continuity of care ensured?

To guarantee uninterrupted care and full cost coverage without financial burden on patients, a dedicated financial mechanism has been established, combining allocations from the state budget and European funds aimed at covering the basic needs of persons under temporary protection.

Reimbursement is made directly to providers – hospitals, medical practices, and pharmacies – based on specific reporting procedures, ensuring that access to services, medicines, and medical supplies is effective, fast, and predictable.

Human and administrative impact

This framework enables timely medical intervention, proper management of chronic conditions, and targeted support for vulnerable groups, especially children, pregnant women, and patients requiring ongoing treatment. Administratively, it ensures traceability, financial control, and correct use of funds, in full compliance with reimbursement rules.

Health has no nationality. In Romania, access to medical services for Ukrainian citizens represents both a legal guarantee and a practical commitment, financially supported through European solidarity.